Meet the wāhine behind Hine!
Part of our programme at The Civic Club, Hine! will feature five talented Māori and Pacific wāhine on March 19, 7.00pm.
Betty-Anne Monga (Ardijah) appears alongside young and talented musicians HINA, Disciple Pati, Jhasmyne and Emily Muli for a supreme showcase of musical prowess.
We had a chat with each of them to find out who inspires them, their messages to other young wāhine / kōhine, and what audiences can expect from this very special show.
Tickets for Hine! are still available for purchase HERE.
Betty-Anne Monga (Ardijah)
What wāhine artist from Aotearoa inspires you?
When I was very young…. Kiwi jazz singer Jacqui Fitzgerald inspired me….. I loved her voice…. Its warmth, deep tone and Jacqui’s ease of delivery. Along the journey, I’m inspired by 'woman doin’ their thang'….. can I say… female artists from back in the day (80’s/90’s) (still) jamming their stuff with the same passion as I remember of them way back.
What is your favourite part of performing?
I get nervous before every gig/performance – no 2 gigs are the same. For me, it’s that build up and anticipation, a rising of adrenalin… and then, the elements all come together.
What is your favourite song by a wāhine from Aotearoa?
'See What Love Can Do' by Annie Crummer & Herbs.
What can audiences expect from your Hine! performance?
As the HINE collective, we’ll be combining for something a lil different – I quite love this aspect of working for the first time with other artists, and sharing something unique to our audience.
What message would send all young wāhine/kōhine who wish to be musicians one day?
It’s a pretty tough industry out there…. arm yourself with passion, love & whānau….. don’t be in a hurry, there’s plenty to go around…...and, learn your business!
HINA
What wāhine artist from Aotearoa inspires you?
I could name a few, but one artist that comes to mind is LOU’ANA. Discovering her music felt like I’d finally found the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. Her live show is bewitching and her voice holds me spellbound.
What is your favourite part of performing?
I get to be my most honest self. I write very personal songs so it’s a bit terrifying getting up to sing them as I’m basically telling everyone my secrets but it’s also an extremely liberating act.
What is your favourite song by a wāhine from Aotearoa?
Reb Fountain’s ‘Don’t You Know Who I Am'.
What can audiences expect from your Hine! performance?
An intimate experience, no-fuss delivery, and a big smile
What message would send all young wāhine/kōhine who wish to be musicians one day?
You don’t have to have it all figured out, dare to trust yourself. Instinct is a superpower.
Disciple Pati
What wāhine artist from Aotearoa inspires you?
I'm really inspired by artists like Ladi6 who isn't afraid to step outside the box and experiment with sounds, Jess B who is such a demanding force onstage, and I have always looked up to Aaradhna for her amazing vocals and ability to evolve with her music. I am also listening to a lot of Imugi - who I think are just creating beautiful music.
What is your favourite part of performing?
Being onstage with my band, exchanging energy with the music and with the other members onstage – and especially creating awesome little moments for the audience.
What is your favourite song by a wāhine from Aotearoa?
'Y u always acting like a fool' by Imugi. It's such a great little anthem for how it feels to deal with men who act like idiots in a romantic setting lol.
What can audiences expect from your Hine! performance?
Audiences can expect to be blown away! Our set is epic, big and funky.
What message would send all young wāhine/kōhine who wish to be musicians one day?
Go for your dreams, learn how to produce your own music, learn how to play your own instruments – and take care of yourself/listen to yourself regardless of what other people tell you!!!
Jhasmyne
What wāhine artist from Aotearoa inspires you?
I would have to say Maisey Rika because she knows herself as an artist and her music connects with people at an emotional level. I would love to sing with her one day.
What is your favourite part of performing?
My favourite part about performing is being able to be vulnerable in front of people.
What is your favourite song by a wāhine from Aotearoa?
'Game of Life by Maisey Rika
What can audiences expect from your Hine! performance?
Emotion
What message would send all young wāhine/kōhine who wish to be musicians one day?
Don't be afraid to put yourself out there and to be vulnerable because it is a part of growing as an artist. Don't compare yourself to other artists. Be your cool original self!
Emily Muli
What wāhine artist from Aotearoa inspires you?
There are a lot of amazing female kiwi artists that have paved the way for musos like myself, and I'm thankful for their legacy. When I first started songwriting, I listened to a lot of Brooke Fraser's music and admire the way she stays true to herself in every space she's in. Another pioneer that I've grown up listening to, and now humbled to work with, is Aaradhna. I've always been inspired by her grind, authenticity and her flow.
What is your favourite part of performing?
Vibing with people onstage and knowing that everyone will take away different things from my performance. It's always interesting to hear!
What is your favourite song by a wāhine from Aotearoa?
Tough one! 'Albertine' by Brooke Fraser will always have a special place with me!
What can audiences expect from your Hine! performance?
I just want to be me, and that's all I can give to our audience – from the lyrics, to the music, to how I connect. That's what they can expect :)
What message would send all young wāhine/kōhine who wish to be musicians one day?
You're more than capable of doing anything you want to do, and you will always have people, like myself, backing you one hundred!
